City of Okemah eases coronavirus restrictions
In a special meeting held Friday afternoon, the Okemah City Council unanimously agreed to amend its civil emergency proclamation to be in line with phase one of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s “Open Up and Recover Safely” program.
Effective immediately, personal care businesses, such as hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, and pet groomers can reopen on an appointment-only basis. They must adhere to sanitation protocols, and follow social distancing guidelines.
Beginning May 1, dining, entertainment, gyms, movie theatres and sporting venues can open up using CDC recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols. Places of worship can reopen for in-person meetings or worship if they leave every other row or pew open and adhere to CDC recommended social distancing and sanitation protocols. Bars will remain closed under phase one, but tattoo parlors can reopen for appointments only while adhering to sanitation and social distancing protocols.
Citizens should still practice social distancing and those over the age of 65 or who are part of a vulnerable population should continue to follow the state’s “safer at home” guidelines.
As of Friday, there were no active cases of COVID-19 in Okfuskee County. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there has been one confirmed case in Paden, but the patient’s status is listed as “recovered.”
If the number of cases remain at a manageable level for the next 14 days, the city will consider moving into phase two of the governor’s plan, which would allow bars to reopen.
The complete Open Up and Recover Safely” is available here: https://www.okcommerce.gov/wp-content/uploads/Open-Up-and-Recover-Safely-Plan.pdf
